Useful Links

Health Care

Ontario's health care system is one of the best in the world. If you live in Ontario and qualify, you have access to provincially-funded health care services in your community for your visits to a doctor and other basic and emergency health care services. See the Health Care section for more information.

Health Insurance

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) was created as a mechanism to fund these health services. You first have to enrol into the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. Once you have been accepted into the plan, doctors and other health providers will bill OHIP for the services that they have provided you. See the Health Care section for more information.

Note: If you are new to Ontario, there is a three-month waiting period before OHIP covers your medical costs. It is still a good idea to apply for an OHIP card as soon as you arrive. You could also consider buying private health insurance to cover the waiting period.

Viens vivre en Ontario

Ontario's Municipal Francophone Immigration website, Viens vivre en Ontario (in French) provides local information about French services and local information on education, business, employment and health in various communities across Ontario.

Tip: Several groups are exempt from the waiting period. Get more information from your local ServiceOntario - Health Insurance office. Use the Service Location Finder to find an office near you. You can also talk to a ServiceOntario representative by calling the Info line at 1-866-532-3161 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Common Questions

Will there be anyone to assist me when I arrive?

Make sure you prepare well before you arrive and that you have all of the documents you need. Try to arrange for a friend or a family member to meet you at the airport so that you get all of the help you need. Know that you can always use the Services Near Me directory to locate services and programs available in your community.

Where can I find information about my new community?

Visit our Cities and Towns section for municipal information or use the Services Near Me directory to locate services and programs available in your community. You can also contact your municipality for information on recreational activities in your area.

How can I find a doctor?

You can find a doctor by searching the directory of doctors in Ontario. You may also use you local telephone directory to find a doctor in your community.

Where can I find a hospital?

You can find a listing of hospitals in Ontario on the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and other specific groups may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public health insurance as soon as you arrive in order to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care in Canada.